Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
869. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on community hubs for residential areas that are losing a post office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11536/22]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications has policy responsibility for the postal sector, however, I am aware of the particular value placed by local communities, especially those in rural areas, on services such as those provided by the local post office.
Rural and regional development is at the heart of the Programme for Government. My Department's five year rural development policy Our Rural Future recognises that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting and safeguarding the sustainability of vibrant towns and villages across the country.
Significant investment in rural Ireland is taking place across Government and my Department will continue to support communities across rural Ireland through a range of funding schemes and supports. Budget 2022 has allocated a total of €379 million to my Department. Much of this funding will support the economic and social development of rural areas under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.
Funding is available from my Department through a variety of funding programmes , including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and funding for our Public Libraries.
Funding is also delivered through the Community Services Programme, LEADER Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme where supports are tailored to the specific needs of individual areas.
The new Connected Hubs Call aims to support and complement the development of the National Hub Network, which is a key action of the Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future, and the National Remote Working Strategy – Making Remote Work. The Connected Hubs Call aims to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading existing hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), while continuing to support COVID-19 mitigation measures. The Connected Hubs Call will provide owners, operators and managers of existing remote working facilities and Broadband Connection Points with the opportunity to identify and develop their own solutions in consultation with local authorities, local business interests (e.g. Chambers of Commerce), Town Teams (or similar bodies) and community groups as appropriate. The deadline for applications is 6pm on 4th April 2022.
To conclude, I want to acknowledge An Post and the postmasters around the country who provided vital services to communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and should be commended for that.
